Texas car stickers renew every year on your registration expiration date, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person at your county tax assessor-collector's office

Your Texas car sticker (officially called a registration sticker or decal) shows that your vehicle registration is current. The sticker goes on your windshield, and it expires on the same date as your vehicle registration. You do not have to visit an office in person — most drivers renew online through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website or by mail, which takes a few minutes and costs less than an in-person visit.

The renewal notice arrives in the mail about 45 days before your registration expires. That notice includes your renewal fee, which varies by vehicle weight and county. You can renew as early as 60 days before expiration, so renewing when you receive the notice is the simplest approach.

Key Takeaways

  • Renew online at the Texas DMV website (txdmv.gov) using your vehicle identification number (VIN) and renewal notice number — this is the fastest and cheapest option.
  • Your renewal notice arrives about 45 days before expiration and includes the exact fee for your vehicle; do not pay a different amount.
  • If you did not receive a notice, contact your county tax assessor-collector's office directly, as notices sometimes miscarry.
  • The new sticker arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days of online renewal; you can drive legally during this time if you kept your old sticker visible.
  • Renewing in person at your county office costs more and takes longer than online renewal, but may be necessary if your vehicle information has changed.

Renewing online through the Texas DMV website

Go to txdmv.gov and select "Vehicle Registration" from the main menu, then choose "Renew Registration." You will need your VIN (found on your dashboard or registration card), your renewal notice number (printed on the notice mailed to you), and a payment method — debit card, credit card, or electronic check. The online fee is typically $2 to $3 less than renewing in person.

The process takes about five minutes. After you submit payment, you receive a confirmation number when ready. Your new sticker is mailed to the address on file and usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can legally drive with your old sticker still visible until the new one arrives.

If you cannot find your renewal notice number, you can still renew online by entering your VIN and the last four digits of your Social Security number or your driver's license number. This takes slightly longer because the system has to look up your record, but it works just as well.

Renewing by mail

Mail your renewal notice and payment to the address printed on the notice itself. Include a check or money order for the amount shown on the notice — do not send cash. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks longer than online renewal because the tax assessor-collector's office has to process the payment and mail the sticker back to you.

Use mail renewal only if you do not have internet access or prefer not to pay online. If your vehicle information has changed (owner name, address, or vehicle details), mail renewal may not process correctly — contact your county tax assessor-collector's office instead to update your record first.

Renewing in person at your county tax assessor-collector's office

Bring your renewal notice, proof of vehicle inspection (if required), and a payment method to your county tax assessor-collector's office. You can find your office location and hours on the Texas Tax Assessor-Collector Association website or by searching "[your county name] tax assessor-collector." Bring a photo ID as well.

In-person renewal costs $1 to $3 more than online renewal because of the in-person service fee. You receive your new sticker when ready, so you do not have to wait for mail delivery. This option is useful if your vehicle information has changed or if you need to update your address on file at the same time.

What to do if you did not receive your renewal notice

Contact your county tax assessor-collector's office directly. Provide your VIN and current address. The office can tell you your renewal fee and send a duplicate notice, or you can renew when ready using your VIN and driver's license number on the Texas DMV website without waiting for the notice to arrive.

If you have moved recently, your notice may have been mailed to an old address. Update your address with your county tax assessor-collector's office before renewing, so future notices reach you on time.

Vehicle inspection requirements before renewal

Texas requires a vehicle inspection every two years, and your registration cannot renew if your inspection has expired. The inspection sticker (different from your registration sticker) shows the expiration date. If your inspection is expired, you must get a new one at a licensed inspection station before you can renew your registration.

An inspection costs $7.50 and takes about 15 minutes. Find a licensed station near you by searching "vehicle inspection near me" or asking your mechanic. Once you have a current inspection, you can renew your registration when ready online, by mail, or in person.

Renewal fees and what they cover

Your renewal fee depends on your vehicle's weight and your county. The notice you receive shows the exact amount for your vehicle. Fees typically range from $50 to $100 per year, though some counties charge more. Specialty plates (personalized plates, veteran plates, or environmental plates) may have different fees.

The renewal fee covers your registration and sticker for one year. It does not cover vehicle inspection, title transfer, or other DMV services. If you are renewing a vehicle you recently purchased, you may need to transfer the title separately before you can renew the registration.

What happens if your registration expires

Driving with an expired registration sticker is a traffic violation in Texas. A police officer can stop you and issue a citation, which carries a fine of up to $200. If your registration has been expired for more than 60 days, you may also face additional penalties.

Renew as soon as you receive your notice to avoid this risk. If your registration has already expired, renew when ready through any of the three methods above. You can renew online or by mail even after expiration, and the new sticker will be valid for one year from the date you renew.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my registration if my vehicle inspection is expired?

No. Your inspection must be current before you renew your registration. Get a new inspection at a licensed station (costs $7.50), then renew your registration. The inspection sticker shows its own expiration date, separate from your registration sticker.

What if I moved and my renewal notice went to my old address?

Contact your county tax assessor-collector's office and update your address on file. They can send a duplicate notice or tell you your renewal fee so you can renew online using your VIN and driver's license number without waiting for the notice.

Do I have to remove my old sticker before putting on the new one?

Yes. Scrape off the old sticker completely before explore the new one. Use a plastic scraper or old credit card to avoid scratching your windshield. The new sticker should be placed in the lower right corner of your windshield, where it is clearly visible.

How long does it take to get my new sticker after I renew online?

The sticker arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive legally during this time with your old sticker still visible. If you need the sticker faster, renew in person at your county tax assessor-collector's office and receive it when ready.

What if I renew but my sticker never arrives?

Contact your county tax assessor-collector's office with your confirmation number from the online renewal. They can track your sticker or issue a replacement. If your address on file is incorrect, update it first so the replacement reaches you.